The online mapping space is quickly heating
up. What used to be a relatively straightforward competition between
Google and Microsoft (with OpenStreetMap and a few other smaller players
standing on the sidelines) will likely become a far more complex
scenario now that Apple is likely to reveal its own solution at its WWDC
later this month. Google, it seems, is trying to steal some thunder
from Apple and is holding an invite-only press event in San Francisco
where the company promises to unveil “the next dimension of Google
Maps.” The
invitation also notes that Google will offer attendees “a
behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision. We’ll also
demo some of the newest technology and provide a sneak peek at upcoming
features that will help people get where they want to go – both
physically and virtually.”
Given
that Apple is widely rumored to drop Google Maps in iOS6 in favor of
its own solution with afocus on 3D maps, it’s hard not to look at Google
talking about “the next dimension of Google Maps” without thinking
about more 3D features.
Google
Maps, of course, already lets you switch to Google Earth in the
browser. This feature only works once you have installed a plugin,
though. Maybe this update will bring this functionality directly to the
browser through WebGL. Maybe Google is adding more 3D buildings and
trees, or maybe it is also updating Street View with a more virtual
world-like look.
Whatever it is, we’ll be attending the event next week and will keep you posted.
We’ve already seen a few leaks that suggest Apple will be announcing its own 3D mapping service on June 11 at WWDC, its developer’s conference. Now it looks like Google is trying to beat Apple to the punch by unveiling its own 3D maps a week earlier.
At an event entitled “The Next Dimension of Google Maps” next Wednesday, Brian McClendon, vice president of Google Maps and Google Earth is slated to give event goers an inside look at what’s in the works for Google’s mapping service and “provide a sneak peek at upcoming features that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually.”
Apple has used Google Maps in the iPhone since its launch in 2007, the company is rumored to be removing Google’s mapping service completely from its phone with the release of iOS 6 and replacing it with its own Google Maps alternative. Reports earlier this year indicated that the company will be showing off its own 3D mapping solution at its Worldwide Developers Conference June 11.
In recent months Apple has also acquired mapping experts C3 Technologies, Placebase, and Poly9 adding fuel to those rumors. Apple also recently removed Google Maps from the iPad version of iPhoto.
Google’s timing on its announcement suggests that it is being done to directly compete with Apple, and perhaps show users what –potentially better – options might exist with Google Maps and Android versus what Apple will be offering with the iPhone and iOS 6.
What do you think Apple and Google have in store? More importantly, are you interested in 3D mapping in the first place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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